Central Unified trustees on Tuesday hired former Clovis Unified Superintendent Eimear O’Brien to lead the district while they search for a permanent replacement.

Trustees voted unanimously to hire O’Brien as interim superintendent.

The decision comes two weeks after the western Fresno school district’s superintendent, Ketti Davis, stepped down.

O’Brien began her job Wednesday. She said in a statement she was humbled to take the job.

“As we approach the final stretch of the school year, my focus is on ensuring stability, maintaining high expectations and keeping student
achievement at the forefront,” O’Brien said.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, and I am committed to making sure their needs are met so they can reach their fullest potential in the classroom and beyond.”

Related Story: Central Unified Superintendent Steps Down, School Board Announces

Central Unified’s board president, Naindeep Singh Chann first reached out to O’Brien about filling the position, according to a spokesperson with the district.

“Her unwavering commitment to education embodies the guiding principles of our district,” Singh said in a statement. “With her leadership, we will see an unyielding focus on student success, high expectations paired with strong support, and a clear path for our district to thrive as we close out the school year.”

Central Unified’s Search for Permanent Super to Begin Soon

The board will soon decide about hiring a permanent superintendent, the spokesperson said. The trustees have not yet openly discussed how that search will go.

O’Brien told GV Wire in December 2024 she plans to run for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in 2026.

O’Brien said she is focused on ensuring the district maintains high educational achievements and students and staff have the resources they need to finish the year strong.

O’Brien retired from Clovis Unified in 2023 to take care of her mother, who lives in Ireland. She had been with the district going back to 1996 when she taught third grade at Maple Creek Elementary. She became principal of Clovis West High School and later the assistant superintendent.

Davis had been with Central for three decades. Exact reasons for her sudden departure are still unclear, but in a statement, the board said the decision was made to ensure the district remains focused on academic excellence, high expectation, and continuous improvement.

Central Unified trustee Nabil Kherfan praised O’Brien’s experience.

“Dr. O’Brien has decades of experience in the classroom and as an administrator,” Kherfan said. “Her leadership will be a welcome addition to Central Unified as we finish the school year.”